This book presents interviews with 20 successful Malaysian housing developers, to provide real-world insights and practical know-how for future developers. It is designed in a way that reveals the secrets of successful developers, from their origins to their current status with the interviews conducted in a semi-structured manner so that the interviewees were able to freely share their experiences, thoughts, opinions and tips acquired throughout their business careers. Covering the developers' success stories, from their background, educational history and personal traits to their business challenges and achievements, it appeals to academics and practitioners alike.

In recent years, the paradigm of video coding has shifted from that of a frame-based approach to a content-based approach, particularly with the finalization of the ISO multimedia coding standard, MPEG-4. MPEG-4 is the emerging standard for the coding of multimedia content. It defines a syntax for a set of content-based functionalities, namely, content-based interactivity, compression and universal access. However, it does not specify how the video content is to be generated. To generate the video content, video has to be segmented into video objects and tracked as they transverse across the video frames. This book addresses the difficult problem of video segmentation, and the extraction and tracking of video object planes as defined in MPEG-4. It then focuses on the specific issue of face segmentation and coding as applied to videoconferencing in order to improve the quality of videoconferencing images especially in the facial region.
Modal-based coding is a content-based coding technique used to code synthetic objects that have become an important part of video content. It results in extremely low bit rates because only the parameters needed to represent the modal are transmitted. Model-based coding is included to provide background information for the synthetic object coding in MPEG-4. Lastly, MPEG-4, the first coding standard for multimedia content is described in detail. The topics covered include the coding of audio objects, the coding of natural and synthetic video objects, and error resilience.
"Advanced Video Coding" is one of the first books on content-based coding and MPEG-4 coding standard. It serves as an excellent information source and reference for both researchers and practicing engineers.

Fundamental environmental challenges such as climate change, resource depletion, and pollution are still widely relevant in today's world. Many of these problems have been associated with the architecture, engineering, and construction industries due to the level of resources used in these professions. In recent years, many manufacturers in these fields have expressed the motivation to make necessary changes that would be beneficial to the environment. Despite this progress, there remains a lack of research and assessment on the methods to achieve environmental stability within these architectural fields. Examining the Environmental Impacts of Materials and Buildings provides emerging research exploring the theoretical and practical aspects of ecological performance within modern building design and materials-based construction. Featuring coverage on a broad range of topics such as life cycle assessment, material flows analysis, and sustainability, this book is ideally designed for architects, civil engineers, construction professionals, environmentalists, ecologists, business practitioners, scientists, policymakers, designers, researchers, and academicians seeking research on current trends in environmental performance within building design.

This book reports on the physical and mechanical characterization of Recycled Aggregate Concrete (RAC), produced through a partial-to-total replacement of ordinary aggregates with what have been dubbed Recycled Concrete Aggregates (RCAs). It proposes a theoretical framework for understanding the relationships between RCAs and RCA, and for predicting the resulting behavior of RAC. The book demonstrates that in the case of RAC two additional parameters have to be taken into account than with ordinary aggregates, due to the composite nature and higher porosity of RCAs. By extending Abrams' Law for Recycled Aggregate Concrete, it represents a first step in the formulation of a general model for predicting the properties of RAC. The theoretical approach presented here addresses an important gap in the literature and is expected to stimulate new research on the use of this more sustainable form of concrete in structural applications.

As the environmental impact of existing construction and building materials comes under increasing scrutiny, the search for more eco-efficient solutions has intensified. Nanotechnology offers great potential in this area and is already being widely used to great success. Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable construction.
Following an introduction to the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materials, part one considers such infrastructural applications as nanoengineered cement-based materials, nanoparticles for high-performance and self-sensing concrete, and the use of nanotechnology to improve the bulk and surface properties of steel for structural applications. Nanoclay-modified asphalt mixtures and safety issues relating to nanomaterials for construction applications are also reviewed before part two goes on to discuss applications for building energy efficiency. Topics explored include thin films and nanostructured coatings, switchable glazing technology and third generation photovoltaic (PV) cells, high-performance thermal insulation materials, and silica nanogel for energy-efficient windows. Finally, photocatalytic applications are the focus of part three, which investigates nanoparticles for pollution control, self-cleaning and photosterilisation, and the role of nanotechnology in manufacturing paints and purifying water for eco-efficient buildings.
Nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction is a technical guide for all those involved in the design, production and application of eco-efficient construction materials, including civil engineers, materials scientists, researchers and architects within any field of nanotechnology, eco-efficient materials or the construction industry.
Provides an authoritative guide to the role of nanotechnology in the development of eco-efficient construction materials and sustainable constructionExamines the use of nanotechnology in eco-efficient construction materialsConsiders a range of important infrastructural applications, before discussing applications for building energy efficiency

Overview: The Various Passive Cooling Systems and Their Applicability to Different Climates and Building Types.

Minimizing Cooling Needs by Building Design.

Ventilative Cooling.

Radiant Cooling.

Evaporative Cooling Systems.

The Earth as a Cooling Source for Buildings.

Cooling of Attached Outdoor Spaces.

Index.

This thesis studied the effect of aging of intumescent coatings (ICs) on the reliability of protected steel columns in fire condition and developed a probabilistic approach to assess the service life of ICs applied on steel columns. In the study, Monte Carlo simulations were conducted to obtain the reliability index or failure probability of steel columns protected by ICs subjected to compartment fires. The effect of aging of intumescent coatings on the failure probability of protected steel columns was investigated by using variable insulation property of intumescent coatings in the simulation. The test data on aging effect on insulation property of intumescent coatings from literature was used. Based on the reliability analysis, a probabilistic approach is given to determine the service life of intumescent coatings for steel columns. In that approach, the failure probability of the protected steel columns is compared with the target probability of the structural fire design. The approach can also be used for probabilistic analysis of steel columns protected by conventional inert fire protection materials.

This present book describes the different construction systems and structural materials and elements within the main buildings typologies, and it analyses the particularities of each of them, including, at the end, general aspects concerning laboratory and in-situ testing, numerical modeling, vulnerability assessment and construction maintenance.

The idea of this monograph is to present the latest results related to design and computation of engineering materials and structures. The contributions cover the classical fields of mechanical, civil and materials engineering up to biomechanics and advanced materials processing and optimization. The materials and structures covered can be categorized into modern steels and titanium alloys, composite materials, biological and natural materials, material hybrids and modern joining technologies. Analytical modelling, numerical simulation, the application of state-of-the-art design tools and sophisticated experimental techniques are applied to characterize the performance of materials and to design and optimize structures in different fields of engineering applications.

This work deals with numerical simulations of fresh concrete flows. After the first introductory chapter dealing with the various physical phenomena involved in flows of fresh cementitious materials, the aim of the second chapter is to give an overview of the work carried out on simulation of flow of cement-based materials using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This includes governing equations, constitutive equations, analytical and numerical solutions, and examples showing simulations of testing, mixing and castings. The third chapter focuses on the application of Discrete Element Method (DEM) in simulating the flow of fresh concrete. The fourth chapter is an introductory text about numerical errors both in CFD and DEM whereas the fifth and last chapter give some recent examples of numerical simulations developed by various authors in order to simulate the presence of grains or fibers in a non-Newtonian cement matrix.

This book presents recent applications and approaches as well as challenges in digital forensic science. One of the evolving challenges that is covered in the book is the cloud forensic analysis which applies the digital forensic science over the cloud computing paradigm for conducting either live or static investigations within the cloud environment. The book also covers the theme of multimedia forensics and watermarking in the area of information security. That includes highlights on intelligence techniques designed for detecting significant changes in image and video sequences. Moreover, the theme proposes recent robust and computationally efficient digital watermarking techniques. The last part of the book provides several digital forensics related applications, including areas such as evidence acquisition enhancement, evidence evaluation, cryptography, and finally, live investigation through the importance of reconstructing the botnet attack scenario to show the malicious activities and files as evidences to be presented in a court.

This book covers the topics of theoretical principles, dynamics model and algorithm, mission analysis, system design and experimental studies of space nets system, aiming to provide an initial framework in this field and serve as a ready reference for those interested. Space nets system represents a forefront field in future development of aerospace technologies. However, it involves new challenges and problems such as nonlinear and distorted nets structure, complex rigid flexible coupling dynamics, orbital transfer of space flexible composite and dynamics control. Currently, no comprehensive books on space nets dynamics and design are available, so potential readers can get to know the working mechanism, dynamics elements, and mission design of the space nets system from a Chinese perspective.

This book describes the newest developments in the creation of concrete using smart additives and supplementary cementitious materials as well as methods, technology and novel admixtures to monitor, evaluate and control steel corrosion in reinforced concrete. Industry experts and research specialists explain the structural, physical, and chemical properties of various types of concrete and its applications. They detail the characteristics preferred for manufacturing specific types of concrete. The book chapters also focus on the electrochemical state of the steel reinforcement in view of steel corrosion and corrosion control.

While it would appear that contractors are not affected by the liabilities of the work of others, it is important that they understand the documentation that establishes culpability and the terms of restitution. A "boots on the ground" approach to the pre and post construction inspections as well as all activities in between, Construction Worksite Compliance Guide: Mold provides expert time saving tips to ensure that the job is done right the first time and according to state and Federal regulation. In this book, Woodson shares over 30 years of real-world experience for planning and monitoring the daily work activities on mold contaminated worksites. Packed with checklist, tables and "quick lookup" materials, this manual provides a step by step approach for monitoring workers who are performing the activities specified in a mold abatement work plans.
Expert advice for avoiding liabilities of the work of othersPacked with checklists, tables, and "quick lookup" materials Tips for conducting pre and post worksite inspectionsStep by step approach to planning and monitoring the daily worksite activities

Disturbing asbestos materials during construction is a serious hazard that all contractors may encounter. Because of the insidious nature of the material as a health hazard, EPA regulations require that even when a structure is to be completely demolished, asbestos (and all other hazardous materials) must be removed by a qualified contractor prior to general demolition. A construction contractor contemplating abatement work needs to ascertain regulatory applicability under one of the following: OSHA-approved state program, Federal OSHA regulations (applicable to the private sector and certain federal employees) or OSHA-approved.

Construction Worksite Compliance Guide to Asbestos provides the contractors, building owners and inspectors with the current best management practices for asbestos removal and disposal methods. Packed with checklist, tables and "quick lookup" materials, this manual provides a step by step approach for identifying asbestos, complying with OSHA and EPA regulations as well as the safe disposal of asbestos.

Ascertain the presence of asbestos through testing.

Prepare the abatement plan.

Submit the plan to the state, EPA or local municipality having jurisdiction.

Proper Waste Disposaltechinques

Scope of work. "

This book gathers the best peer-reviewed papers presented at the Italian Concrete Days national conference, held in Lecco, Italy, on June 14-15, 2018. The conference topics encompass the aspects of design, execution, rehabilitation and control of concrete structures, with particular reference to theory and modeling, applications and realizations, materials and investigations, technology and construction techniques. The contributions amply demonstrate that today's structural concrete applications concern not only new constructions, but more and more rehabilitation, conservation, strengthening and seismic upgrading of existing premises, and that requirements cover new aspects within the frame of sustainability, including environmental friendliness, durability, adaptability and reuse of works and / or materials. As such the book represents an invaluable, up-to-the-minute tool, providing an essential overview of structural concrete, as well as all new materials with cementitious matrices.

Millions of homes built before 1978 contain lead paint, which poses a serious hazard to children under the age of 6. "Construction Worksite Compliance Guide" answers the most common questions about the requirements as mandated by the EPA's Renovate, Repair and Painting (RRP) rule and OSHA regulation 29CFR 1926.62. Packed with checklists, tables and "quick lookup" materials, this manual provides a step-by-step approach to determining job requirements and cost, assigning environmental responsibility to all parties, answering environmental questions, and conducting comprehensive worksite audits in the pre-bid phase of a renovation project.

In this book, leading international experts explore the emerging concept of the zero energy mass custom home (ZEMCH) - designed to meet the need for social, economic, and environmental sustainability - and provide all of the knowledge required for the delivery of zero energy mass customized housing and community developments in developed and developing countries. The coverage is wide ranging, progressing from explanation of the meaning of sustainable development to discussion of challenges and trends in mass housing, the advantages and disadvantages of prefabricated methods of construction, and the concepts of mass customization, mass personalization, and inclusive design. A chapter on energy use will aid the reader in designing and retrofitting housing to reduce energy demand and/or improve energy end-use efficiency. Passive design strategies and active technologies (especially solar) are thoroughly reviewed. Application of the ZEMCH construction criteria to new buildings and refurbishment of old houses is explained and the methods and value of building performance simulation, analyzed. The concluding chapter presents examples of ZEMCH projects from around the world, with discussion of marketing strategy, design, quality assurance, and delivery challenges. The book will be invaluable as a training/teaching tool for both students and industry partners.

Whether or not, you are on the job site or back in the office, this book will help you to avoid mistakes, code violations, and wasted time and money. The book s four part treatment begins with constituent materials followed by self contained parts on Concrete Properties, Processes, and Concrete Repair and Rehabilitation.

Designed to be an "all in one" reference, the author includes a wealth information for the most popular types of testing. This includes: Analysis of Fresh Concrete; Testing Machines; Accelerated Testing Methods; Analysis of Hardened Concrete and Mortar; Core Sampling and Testing; Assessment of Concrete Construction; Repair; Quality Concepts; Quality Control; Statistics; Standards, Specifications, and Codes of Practice. With this book in hand, construction engineers and even technicians find valuable information regarding Exposed Concrete Finishes, Repairing Concrete, Formwork, Precast Concrete, Concrete Roads, and Industrial Floors.

Project managers and owners will find this reference a valuable guide to concrete both in terms of its applications in construction projects and the science and chemistry of concrete for its own sake.
Fundamentals of Concrete Chemistry

Handy at your figure tip calculations

Tips for working with all types of concretes

Covers Roads, floors, and finishes

Principles of Precast, Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete "

The first volume of the Adaptive Environments series focuses on Robotic Building, which refers to both physically built robotic environments and robotically supported building processes. Physically built robotic environments consist of reconfigurable, adaptive systems incorporating sensor-actuator mechanisms that enable buildings to interact with their users and surroundings in real-time. These require Design-to-Production and Operation chains that are numerically controlled and (partially or completely) robotically driven. From architectured materials, on- and off-site robotic production to robotic building operation augmenting everyday life, the volume examines achievements of the last decades and outlines potential future developments in Robotic Building. This book offers an overview of the developments within robotics in architecture so far, and explains the future possibilities of this field. The study of interactions between human and non-human agents at building, design, production and operation level will interest readers seeking information on architecture, design-to-robotic-production and design-to-robotic-operation.  The chapter "Robotic Building as Integration of Design-to-Robotic-Production and -Operation" of this book is available open access under a CC by 4.0  license at link.springer.com 

This book presents the main outcomes of the first European research project on the seismic behavior of adjustable steel storage pallet racking systems. In particular, it describes a comprehensive and unique set of full-scale tests designed to assess such behavior. The tests performed include cyclic tests of full-scale rack components, namely beam-to-upright connections and column base connections; static and dynamic tests to assess the friction factor between pallets and rack beams; full-scale pushover and pseudodynamic tests of storage racks in down-aisle and cross-aisle directions; and full-scale dynamic tests on two-bay, three-level rack models. The implications of the findings of this extensive testing regime on the seismic behavior of racking systems are discussed in detail, highlighting e.g. the confirmation that under severe dynamic conditions "sliding" is the main factor influencing rack response. This work was conceived during the development of the SEISRACKS project. Its outcomes will contribute significantly to increasing our knowledge of the structural behavior of racks under earthquake conditions and should inform future rack design.